GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Even if a final repository would still be needed, P&T would drastically reduce the radiotoxicity, heat production and package volume of high-level radioactive waste, thereby easing the long-term safety of a final repository as stated by some Member States. It will strengthen EU/Euratom leadership in this domain and open new avenues towards increased energy security of supply and industrial competitiveness.

Although R&D on advanced fuel cycle technologies has been carried out for decades, there is consensus within the international community that a complete programme is needed with the aim of (i) industrial maturity to demonstrate the feasibility of a closed fuel cycle; (ii) minimisation of high-level radioactive waste; and (iii) increased safety. Indeed, most technologies for advanced transuranic management strategies (e.g. Pu multi-recycling and minor actinide (MA) transmutation) need to achieve a higher level of technological and economic development before they can be deployed on an industrial scale. As such, further efforts are needed among other things in the following areas:

• separation technologies;
• fuel fabrication;
• transmutation systems;
• fuel reprocessing;
• fuel technological aspects (particularly for MA-loaded fuels), including transportation, cooling and handling.

Developing advanced experiments, digital and High Performance Computing numerical simulation tools, taking full advantage of existing knowledge, competence and expertise and international cooperation should be highly beneficial.